9 76 Some account of Kohistdn and Kabal. [Sept, 



mountains in the direct line from Ghazni to the Panjib could be 

 explored. From all I have heard the passes are very open. A great 

 deal of iron is manufactured in those districts, particularly at Kare- 

 gram or Kanegoram. 



Kabul is colder all the year round than Kashmir ; its latitude is a 

 little more northerly. An irregular circle of mountains, twenty miles 

 in diameter, with numerous passes surrounds an irrigated plain : across 

 this plain runs another chain 500 to 1,500 ieet in height : Kabul is 

 built near a gap in this chain. The hills are universally barren and 

 of primitive rock generally. Those at Kabul are all of gneiss. There 

 is not at a little distance one blade of grass apparent upon them. The 

 nuwash grows, and the " asal sus" or liquorice is found upon them. 

 Its gardens are crammed with delicious fruits, but the very com- 

 monest flowers are entirely artificial. 



I was much disappointed in the country ; there is not literally one 

 single tree that has not been planted. But altogether its appearance 

 is rich and beautiful. The city is universally of mud and sun-dried 

 brick. In 60 years there would hardly be a vestige of Kdbul if the. 

 inhabitants left. The Bala Hissar of rough hewn stone, a few wells, 

 and the elegant mosque of white marble at Baber's tomb are excep- 

 tions. 



The Kohistdn, as it is called, under the Hindu Kosh, 30 miles from 

 Kabul, affords an exquisite landscape. 



The " Reg reman," or running sand of Baber (as is in fact every 

 thing he notices, as in his day) is there visible at a great distance, but 

 there was no approaching it, such was the lawless state of the country. 

 Muhamad Akber Kha'n, the Amir's son, has since reduced them to 

 subjection. It was tantalizing to look at a district so fair in aspect, 

 rich in ruins, coins and antiquities, as I believe it to be, and not to be 

 able to explore it. The plain of Beghrdm was close on our right ' 

 Mr. Masson was with me. The circumference is not less than 15 or 

 20 miles. 



The copper coins are very numerous ; I have a large bagful : — two, 

 one of gold and another of silver (a Bactrian) — new. The meritorious 

 researches of Mr. Masson have opened a mine of antiquities in these 

 countries. I may remark (but with deference) that I do not think 

 Beghrdm to have been the city founded by Alexander on this sideof the 

 Paropamisus. I have had no library to consult, but I do not think that he 

 passed into Turkestan by this road over the Hindu Kosh although he 

 most likely returned by it. There must have been a town there, or 

 in the neighbourhood as long as there was a pass and people to cross 

 over it. Akrian's account is very unconnected and compels us to 



